Bengals: Should Adam Jones Be Getting Safety Reps?
If you listen to Men in Stripes at all, you know this isn’t the first mention of Adam Jones at Safety, but should it be looked at as more than just a crazy though?
Josh Shaw has gotten some looks at the safety position recently for depth and rotational purposes, especially with the departure of Reggie Nelson in the off-season. Shaw is a good option, don’t get me wrong, in fact, he played a little of everything in the secondary in college, but Adam Jones could be another viable option.
Adam Jones is not getting any younger, he’s is 32, and safety would allow him to save some of his legs, plus use his knowledge and instincts to makes plays. Last season, Jones missed two games due to an ankle injury. This was his first time missing a game in three seasons.
Adam Jones and his health could benefit from being moved to safety because he is not being matched up one on one with receivers. He instead would be coming over the top and cutting off routes with only a limited number of man to man match ups, which he would pick up further down the field.
More from Stripe Hype
- How to watch the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022
- Denzel Ward wants to flex on Bengals WRs in 2022
- Scouting the enemy: Bengals preseason opener chat with Raising Zona
- Bengals should place these 3 players on the trade block
- 3 advantages the Bengals have over the Steelers in 2022
Last season, Adam Jones recorded three interceptions, a forced fumble, one sack, 12 pass deflections and 62 tackles. He was a pro bowl caliber corner who led one of the best secondaries in the NFL last year. He was on kick and punt returns, which didn’t help his wear and tear over last season.
Safety does have to have speed and awareness, but as Reggie Neslon proved at 32 years of age by having his best season of his career, safety can save a players health. Adam Jones will need to find a way to save himself from his position and role otherwise.
The Cincinnati Bengals are aiming to return to the playoffs for their sixth straight year. Adam Jones will need to keep his game at a high level and his emotions in check. He will be helping another young corner in William Jackson III to learn the in’s and out’s of the league and the future of this Bengals secondary.
Next: Has the Balance of Powers Shifted?
So while Josh Shaw is looked at to help the safety core, it could benefit both Adam Jones and the Bengals by keeping him healthier. While we don’t know what the roster and depth chart will look like just yet, one thing is for sure, the Bengals are ready to put last season behind them and move onto 2016.